Arsenal will reportedly look to rope in Real Madrid’s James Rodriguez to serve as a replacement to Alexis Sanchez.
According to Claudio Colla of Transfer Market Web, Arsenal have re-entered the race to sign Real Madrid attacking midfielder James Rodriguez. However, the Gunners will move for the Colombian if and only if Alexis Sanchez leaves in the summer.
The Chilean has been a key component in Arsenal’s system since moving to North London in 2014 from Barcelona. He has been one of Arsene Wenger’s go-to-men in attack, and has been handed a greater offensive responsibility this season.
Usually deployed on the left side of the attacking trio behind the lone striker, the 28-year-old has been used as an out and out striker on many occasions this campaign. He started the season with flying colours, and even led the race for the Golden Boot.
However, his performances have dipped since the turn of the year, and so have Arsenal’s fortunes. This has also affected the player’s mindset, who has gone on record to state that he expected to win more with the Gunners.
With his contract set to run out at the end of next season, Sanchez has come no closer to sign an extension at the Emirates Stadium. Wenger has been bullish while making claims that the attacker will stay on, but lack of silverware could pursue him to make a move elsewhere.
Fellow London club Chelsea are among the suitors for Sanchez. The Blues are on the cusp of winning the Premier League and are expected to challenge for the Champions League as well next season. This could help make up Sanchez’s mind and he could move to Stamford Bridge.
Replacing him will be a tedious ask, but Wenger has reportedly eyed James Rodriguez to come in the Chilean’s stead. Rodriguez is understood to be unsettled at Santiago Bernabeu and could be handed an escape route by the Arsenal manager.
The Colombia international broke onto the stage in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and was regarded as one of the next big things in world football. However, since making a move to Madrid, he has not managed to escalate his game to the next level.
At Arsenal, he may be given the chance to do exactly that and could also see Wenger build the team around him. The Frenchman is expected to let go of certain players in the summer, and could free up squad space for the Colombian star.
The Gunners aren’t the only ones in the race for the 25-year-old, as a number of top European sides are also vying for his signature. He is reportedly being offered to Manchester United to sweeten the deal for David de Gea to move the other way.
Even their cross-town rivals Manchester City are keen on the player and have already opened talks with him. Thus, if Arsenal are to sign him, they will have to act quickly and make an offer that the club and player can’t resist.
